Tapestry of Faith: Toolbox of Faith: A Program That Helps Children Discover the Uses of Faith

Leader Resource 1: Finding Miriam In Hebrew Scripture

List the book, chapter, and verse for these bible references to Miriam on newsprint and post.

Book and Chapter: Verse(s)

Description

Exodus 2:1-10

Moses in the bulrushes. While Moses in his basket floats on the river, Miriam watches from a hiding place to see that the baby is safe (Exodus 2:4). Miriam sees the Pharaoh's daughter take Moses. She offers to find a Hebrew woman (having in mind their own mother) to take care of Moses for Pharoah's daughter until he is older (Ex. 2:7-9).

Exodus 15:20-21

Miriam's victory song. Miriam led the women of Israel in a song and dance of celebration after the Pharaoh's men were drowned in the Red Sea (Ex. 15:20-21).

Numbers 12:1-12

Miriam complains about Moses' choice of a wife from another tribe, and then speaks out that Moses does not have a monopoly on conversations with God. Then she is stricken with tzaaris, or leprosy (Num. 12:10). When Aaron pleads on her behalf, she is cured (Num. 12:11).

Numbers 20:1

Miriam dies in the desert before the people reach the Promised Land.

Micah 6:4

Miriam, with her brothers Moses and Aaron, is named as one of the leaders of the exodus.

   

In Jewish midrash (post-biblical interpretations and embellishments of stories in Hebrew Scripture), Miriam is said to be the ancestor of other creative geniuses in Israel's history: Bezalel, the architect of the mishkan (the portable sanctuary used in the desert) (Ex. 31:1-3) and King David.

According to Jewish tradition, because of Miriam's righteousness, a well followed the people through the desert throughout their wanderings, and that well remained with them until the day of Miriam's death.